Monthly Archives: November 2013

How Can Furnace & Air Conditioner Upgrades Earn You Money?

Did you know that if you have installed a high efficiency furnace or air conditioner in 2012 or 2013 that you could be eligible to receive a tax credit? Thanks to the extension of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, certain energy efficient heating and cooling equipment will qualify. If upgrading your system has been on your to-do list, be sure to do so before the end of the year!

What Heating and Cooling Equipment Qualifies for Tax Credits?

Heat pumps are eligible for up to a $300 tax credit. Split systems must have an HSPF that is greater than 8.5, an SEER that is greater than 12.5, and a SEER greater than 15.

Air conditioners qualify for up to a $300 tax credit. They must have a SEER of 16 or greater and an SEER of 13 or greater if it is a split system. If it is a pack system, SEER must be 14 or greater and SEER must be 12 or greater.

Natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces are eligible for up to $150 tax credit. They must have an AFUE of 95 or greater.

Does Water Heating Equipment Also Qualify?

Tankless gas water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and high efficiency gas boilers are eligible for tax credits. If you have upgraded your home recently to include these products, make sure that you claim your tax credits.

What Amount of Tax Credits is the Maximum for Approved Homeowners?

Eligible homeowners may receive a maximum of $500 in tax credits according to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. If $500 or more has been claimed in any year prior to 2013, you are ineligible to claim credits on new improvements.

By installing high efficiency air conditioners and furnaces, you will be able to save money in taxes and energy bills as well. For more information about energy efficient heating and cooling equipment or to schedule an installation, give Getzschman Heating & Cooling a phone call today.

Are You Ready for Winter? 3 Steps Every Homeowner Should Take

The holidays are approaching and although the thought of a winter wonderland sounds magical, that means Frosty the Snowman and his below freezing friends will all be here before you know it. Is your home ready for their arrival? Getzschman Heating & Cooling put together this checklist of to-do’s for every Omaha area homeowner so you will be ready.

Help Your Furnace Keep the House Warm, Add Insulation

Getzschman Heating recommends that you add insulation to your Omaha area home’s attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Why? For starters, adding insulation helps to keep the heat from escaping your home. Your furnace works to keep your house warm and if it is not well insulated that warmth escapes. This leaves your furnace to work harder and increases your energy bills.

When heat escapes your attic, it can melt the snow that sits on your roof. This melted snow turns to ice and can build up. This can cause water to pool and seep below your shingles, large sheets of ice can fall from your eaves, and your roof could potentially collapse. Plus, when your basement and crawl spaces are well insulated, your pipes are less likely to freeze during the coldest of the winter months.

Service Your Heating System: Furnace, Boiler & Chimney

It is important to have each component of your home’s heating system serviced once a year. This helps to make sure that everything is working properly and efficiently.

Prevent Frozen & Burst Pipes

Nothing is worse than discovering that your home’s pipes have either burst or are frozen. To prevent this from happening, check for cracks or leaks in your pipes. If you find one, cover it with heating tape until you can call a plumber to have it inspected and repaired. Getzschman suggests installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will help to protect against increased pressure, which can cause your pipes to burst or freeze.

For more tips about winterizing your Omaha area home, give Getzschman Heating a call today.